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The Role of Graduate Programs in Library and Information Science in Higher Education

Today’s society, all its members and its institutions—the home, the school, the workplace—require access to information of various kinds, in various forms. It is the responsibility of governing bodies at the national, state, and local levels to ensure provision of information. They have done so traditionally through libraries and other information agencies. The services provided by those centers are administered most effectively by professionally qualified personnel, educated in graduate programs provided by institutions of higher education.

From time to time, financial retrenchments undertaken to ease the economic pressures upon educational institutions have threatened quality education at all levels. The Association believes, however, that such constrictive actions impair and curtail research, undermine literacy, and erode the possibilities for progress in improving the quality of life of all people. Without a constant and continuing supply of qualified professionals to direct and maintain our libraries and other information centers, our society will suffer inestimably from inadequate personnel and restricted service, hindering the growth and availability of essential resources which are vital to an informed citizenry.

As the principal association in North America whose role is the support of graduate library and information science professional education, the Association for Library and Information Science Education views with grave concern any action which would diminish the quality, scope, and availability of academic programs which provide graduate study in the broad profession of information dissemination.

Approved ALISE Board of Directors

October 14, 1990

Based upon original statement approved January 7, 1983 AALS Business Meeting